Sumerianz Journal of Social Science
Online ISSN: 2616-8693
Print ISSN: 2617-1716
Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)
Journal Website: https://www.sumerianz.com/?ic=journal-home&journal=28Archive
Volume 2 Issue 10 (2019)
Decentralization Principle and Achieving Sustainable Development in Yemen
Authors : Mohammed A. H. Al-Sharafi ; Dr. Nishikant C. Dhande
Abstract:Decentralization principle is one of the main modern public management mechanisms that facilitate the good governance as the foundation for achieving prosperity for society. Good governance in its turn considered as the perfect environment to achieve any strategy, especially sustainable development one. This paper, a part of a field study, aims to see the sights and explore the reality of the sustainable development management in Yemen. The issue of ‘decentralization’ is an essential part of the study. The primary objective is to examine the extent of adopting the decentralization principle, required for achieving sustainable development, for maintaining the harmony between the central and local authorities’ and managerial activities regarding decentralization procedures in Yemen. The study used Chi-square analyses test to reveal that.
Pages: 216-222
On Speech Acts: An Analysis of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s Democracy Day Speech
Authors : Olajide Felix Ogidan ; Olufunso Stephen Ajimuda
Abstract:This research work studied the concept of speech acts vis-a-vis the speech of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Democracy Day in 2017. The work adopted the linguistic framework of pragmatics, using the theoretical proposition of Speech Acts theory as propounded by J.L. Austin and modified by John Searle’s classification. It has been established through studies of political speeches that speakers perform various acts in the course of presenting or delivering their speeches. This study further examined specific illocutionary acts employed by Acting President in his speech. These specific illocutionary acts being crux of speech acts were brought out via the analysis of some selected portions of the speech. The study had far reaching academic implications for Linguistics and scholars of speeches all over the world.
Pages: 211-215
Issues and Challenges of Research and Experimental Development: Experience of Emerging Economy
Authors : Adewole G. O. ; Opele J. K. ; Omimakinde E. A.
Abstract:Research and Experimental Development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. Every scientific investigation is marred with challenges. Hence, this study examined R&D indicators and the expert experience of R&D survey in Nigeria. The study made use of primary data through questionnaire administration. A total of 75 Universities and 75 Research Institutes were surveyed, 49 universities and 51 research institutes returned their responses. Out of the number returned, 23 universities and 45 research institutes perform R&D. The analysis of data was done with the application of descriptive statistics. The results of the analysis showed the input in terms of human resources and collaboration within the key R&D institutions. It was revealed that there were more male R&D personnel than female in all categories. The M/F ratio was more than 3:1. A total of 633 publications were produced in the various fields of R&D during the reference period. About 42% was from Agricultural sciences, 20.5% from the natural sciences. Engineering accounted for 19.1% while medical sciences and social sciences accounted for 11.8% and 6.5% respectively. Collaborative R&D was carried out with other higher education institutions both in Nigeria and abroad. Only four universities were reported to perform collaborative R&D with foreign NGOs while 11 were reported to conduct collaborative R&D with public research institutes. Results also showed that poor record keeping and retrieval system among institutions and lack of understanding of key terminologies and concepts are the major challenges of R&D activities in country. The study concluded that more R&D personnel are needed in the country, most especially female researchers. It is also concluded that more collaborative R&D activities with local and foreign research institutes will assists in sustainable development.
Pages: 205-210
Re-Evaluating the Utility of Punishment and Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria
Authors : Valentine Ehichioya Obinyan
Abstract:From the origin of society, making of laws has always been the function of constituted authorities. In modern state, these laws are executed and backed up by punishment when they are broken by any members of the society or the state. Apparently, law and punishment is the instrument for maintaining law and order in the state or society especially when crimes are committed against the state, the individuals or members of the society; crimes like vandalism, terrorism or treason e.. The Nigerian society had witness a reign of terror, violation of the dignity of human life, loss of property, national insecurity as well as bloodshed, kidnap e.t.c, by Boko Haram insurgents. The civil society now relies on the government to implement the instrument of law and punishment in addressing the insurgency. However, these expectations leave the philosopher with a range of questions; are the insurgents aware of the law they violet and supporting punishment for such crime? What kind of punishment can commensurate the amount of harm done by Boko Haram Insurgency? What is the instrument for measuring punishment? No doubt, these impugns strongly on the value or utility of punishment. With the dialogic and critical analysis method, the researcher crystallises the problematic regarding degree of punishment, civil society’s expectations and concludes with the affirmation that being rapid in response to civil needs and aspirations save better than this sporadic input of human life, time, resources and efforts to combating the Boko haram insurgency.
Pages: 195-204
Nature of Cross-Border Food Commodities Smuggling in Busia Town, Kenya
Authors : Nduti D. M. ; Iteyo C. ; Onkware K.
Abstract:Smuggling is a global phenomenon which is quite complex due to its complex operations and the diverse commodities involved. The means by which commodities cross the border is the main issue that makes the cross border trade illegal. This illegal trade is common on the Kenya-Uganda Busia border town. This study examined cross-border smuggling of food commodities from Uganda influencing socio-economic status of households of Busia town, Kenya. The first specific objective was to analyze the nature of cross-border smuggling of food commodities from Uganda influencing socio-economic status of households of Busia town, Kenya. The study utilized human needs and transnationalism theories to examine cross-border smuggling of food commodities from Uganda influencing socio-economic status of households of Busia town, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Stratified sampling technique was used to arrive at 8 strata, namely that of transporters, local residents, traders, trade agents, hawkers, revenue collectors, opinion leaders and that of government officers. Sample sizes of 193 respondents were selected from these strata and they were arrived at through census, purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data collection instruments were Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), interviews, observation and questionnaires and secondary data through document analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics while qualitative data involved thematic and content analysis. The findings of study indicate that the social and economic effects of smuggling have both positive and negative effects on individual households, depending on the outcome in relation to an individual’s engagement in the activity. The study recommends that Kenya and Uganda governments work in collaboration come up with friendly policy on trading in food commodities so as to reduce illegal trade of food commodities.
Pages: 186-194
Character Development Challenges and Opportunities Influencing Anglo-Kenyan Diplomatic Relations
Authors : Dr. Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo
Abstract:Military professionalism has three characteristic: expertise, social responsibility and corporateness. Education is a universal characteristic of all professions, including the military profession. Indeed, if a long-term military career is foreseen, one that will culminate in high rank, officers are advised to pursue a robust professional program. Military officers should have the intellectual expertise required to employ a nation’s armed forces all its military resources in support of and within the larger totality of a nation’s security. They have to understand and deal with military relations and other aspects like military, economic, technological and other societal changes in an intellectual manner. While the independence period has witnessed cordial diplomatic, trade and economic relations between the two countries, the ideal military professionalism is a key factor in interstate diplomatic relations. Anglo-Kenyan diplomatic relations has been beset with challenges embedded in military professionalism on both sides. These include challenges in character development in terms of military relations. Specifically the study sought to: examine character development challenges and opportunities influencing Anglo-Kenyan diplomatic relations. The study was based on a theoritical frame work that encompassed realist theory. The study used descriptive survey research design. Asample size of 384 was used and was determined by the formula recommended by Mugenda and Mugenda and Nassiuma. The study used simple random sampling method and purposive sampling to distribute 196 KDF and BATUK soldiers across Archer’s Post training area, survey research design was used for the 188 key stakeholders, key informants and knowledgeable locals (indigenous) bordering the training area. The instruments used for collecting data from the field were questionnaires and In-depth interview guide. Frequency distribution and descriptive statistics were used to determine a general profile of the informants through summing and categorizing variables such as gender, age, qualifications, years of experience and other items. Cross-tabulation was used to help understand the relations between the two variables. Data were analyzed with the aid of statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 22. The findings are presented in percentages, bar-graphs and pie-chart. The finding indicated that the specialized trainings are undertaken by young soldiers below 35 years of age for “group bonding”. One challenge is soldiers are trained to kill by desensitisation and behavioural conditioning. Some of the opportunities created are; foreign exchange in favour of Kenya but the trade balance between Kenya and Britain is in favour of Britain. Challenges were: terrorism, religious tensions and environmental degradation.
Pages: 170-185